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Can you believe it? Our 43rd National Conference is less than one month away! From May 1- 5 2024 in Calgary, AB, join us to “Rise to the Challenge” and focus on advancing specialized care in the fields of wound, ostomy, and continence. From workshops to networking events and more, we have an action-packed educational schedule ahead of us that you won’t want to miss. Don’t believe us? Let’s learn more about everything you can expect from our upcoming 43rd National Conference Below! Watch our 2024 National Conference Promotional Video": 40+ Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Educational Sessions with Expert Knowledge from Clinical and Industry Leaders Our schedule is packed full of educational sessions on all-things wound, ostomy, and continence. These sessions are driven and developed by expert clinical and industry leaders from across the country. With over 40 sessions to choose from, you are sure to find multiple sessions that you can learn and benefit from! To check out the full educational program schedule and find the best sessions for you, simply visit the link below. Networking Opportunities with NSWOCs and SWANs from across the country NSWOCs, SWANs, and other healthcare professionals will be flocking in from across the country to our National Conference! The conference is a perfect time to meet countless new people that you can network and connect with. In addition to networking opportunities at workshops and sessions, we are also offering a NSWOCC Country and Western Sing, Stomp, and Honky-Tonk Networking Event for all attendees on Friday, May 3. So, make sure you dust off your boots and prepare to make some unforgettable memories! Knowledge sharing with 30+ Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Industry Leaders in the Exhibit Hall Throughout the conference, attendees will have full access to our exhibit hall, where wound, ostomy, and continence industry leaders will be sharing the latest and greatest technology and innovations. If you want to stay up-to-date on all-things wound, ostomy, and continence, then our exhibit hall is the place to be! Make connections, learn new things, and above all, help us focus on advancing specialized care in the fields of wound, ostomy, and continence. So, what are you waiting for? “Rise to the Challenge” and join us for the NSWOCC event of the year! It’s not too late to register, so make sure you get your tickets soon using the link below! We can’t wait to see you all there. Yeehaw!

"NSWOC-powered wound, ostomy and continence: the sign of expertise and quality in Canadian healthcare." #NSWOCPowered The theme for this year's NSWOC Week is "NSWOC-powered wound, ostomy and continence: the sign of expertise and quality in Canadian healthcare." This theme underscores the pivotal role Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) play in delivering expertise and quality care to patients facing challenges related to wound, ostomy, and continence issues. This week serves as a dedicated time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of NSWOCs to our Canadian healthcare system. Wound, ostomy, and continence challenges are pervasive across all healthcare settings in Canada. These conditions not only impact patients' quality of life but also pose significant financial strains on our healthcare system. However, NSWOCs are a sign of expertise and quality in addressing these challenges effectively and efficiently. NSWOCs are registered nurses with specialized training in designing and implementing meticulous, evidence-informed care plans for patients with wound, ostomy, and continence issues. Their tri-specialization equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams, promote evidence-based practices, and guide cost-efficient care decisions. One of the key strengths of NSWOCs lies in their ability to educate patients and their families, empowering them to actively participate in their care journey. By fostering self-engagement and informed decision-making, NSWOCs not only improve patient outcomes but also promote long-term wellness and independence. Moreover, NSWOCs are at the forefront of research and policy development in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Their contributions to national and provincial best practice guidelines drive forward evidence-based practices, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care possible. NSWOCs are not just healthcare providers; they are dedicated patient advocates, ensuring that each individual receives personalized, compassionate care tailored to their unique needs. Their commitment to building trust and fostering strong patient-provider relationships is truly commendable, especially considering the sensitive nature of the conditions they manage. As we celebrate NSWOC Week 2024, let us take a moment to express our gratitude to these heroes of healthcare. Their expertise, dedication, and high-quality care make a profound difference in the lives of countless patients across the country. Together, we recognize and honour the invaluable contributions of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence to our Canadian healthcare system. Thank you to all NSWOCs for your unwavering commitment to excellence in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Your tireless efforts truly embody the spirit of expertise and quality in Canadian healthcare. Download the flyer for your province or region! Click an image to download it. The NSWOC Power of 3 Many points are drawn from the Power of 3 campaign, which also has its own presentation file, social media assets, white paper, and more! To view the Power of 3, please click the button below. Activities during NSWOC Week 2024 Recognize NSWOCs Want to share an interesting story, project or initiative, or recognize an NSWOC colleague? Submit the form below and we can include it in a featured section on the NSWOCC website and/or in an upcoming newsletter! We would be happy to hear any events, projects, or initiatives you or a colleague are working on. We will make sure to feature it on social media and our website during NSWOC Week. Join the campaign: Submit your photo Be a part of our NSWOC Week campaign posts by sharing a photo of yourself and your colleagues in NSWOC gear - a lab coat, “We Will WOC You” T-Shirts, with an NSWOC mug, or any other gear you have! Share how you are celebrating NSWOC Week using #NSWOCPowered Leading up to NSWOC Week, and during the week, make sure to use the hashtag #NSWOCPowered so we can follow and re-share how you’re celebrating on social media! Follow NSWOCC on Social Media! Don’t forget to follow us too!

This is the official notice of the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Annual Members Meeting (AMM) taking place Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 4:30PM – 6:15 PM MDT in-person at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6 in the NSWOCC National Conference plenary room (Imperial 5, 7, 9). This AMM meeting will be held as a part of the 43rd NSWOCC National Conference taking place May 1-5, 2024, as an in-person conference. All NSWOCC Members are welcome to attend if their membership status is current. NSWOCC Members are titled "Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Member" in the membership database. For the full description of voting Members, please refer to NSWOCC Operating By-law 1-3.01 Classes and Conditions of Membership. All Members (both in-person and electronically over Zoom) will have 1 vote. The following Associates are also welcome to attend as non-voting participants: Allied Healthcare Professional Associate Full-time Student Nurse Associate Government/Administrative Professionals Associate Industry Associate Industry Associate Plus International Associate Practice Enrichment Series Associate Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Associate Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Student Associate WOC-EP Student Associate Please make sure that you renew your membership today by logging into your membership account at https://membersnswoc.ca/. To become an NSWOCC Member or Associate, visit https://www.nswoc.ca/become-a-member. HOW TO RSVP Make sure to RSVP to make your vote count and your voice heard, as well as to learn about key association business, and celebrate successes. This meeting will take place in-person at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, Calgary AB in the Plenary room (Imperial 5, 7, 9). Food will be available immediately following the meeting. In addition to being held in-person, the 2024 AMM will also be held via Zoom Webinar in order to include those Members who were unable to travel to Calgary, Alberta. For those unable to attend in-person, Members may still RSVP in advance to attend the meeting on Zoom. Associates are not able to attend online.  Only current, active NSWOCC Members will be eligible to vote. All NSWOCC Members will be accommodated; however, and walk-ins can register at the door if they are unable to register in advance of the AMM. To attend either in-person or on Zoom, please RSVP by clicking below: 2024 AMM Members Package NSWOCC Members can access the 2024 AMM Members Package by clicking the files below, or by logging into your membership account at https://membersnswoc.ca/. The package contains the Annual Members Meeting Agenda, the NSWOCC 2023-2024 Annual Report, the draft NSWOCC 2023 AMM Meeting Minutes, and the 2024 Election Slate of Directors and Officers of the Association. 2024 Annual Report NSWOCC is built by Members and is for the Members... Thank you so much for the immeasurably valuable work you have done for Nurses Specialized in Wound, ostomy and Continence Canada over the past year! We cannot thank you enough and want to let you know that your dedication is essential to the work that we do. We cannot do it without you! We would not want to do it without you! You bring ideas, positive energy and a beautiful intensity. We hope you will come back and join us soon on an exciting initiative, and maybe even bring a colleague with you! You can now access the 2024 Annual Report by clicking the file below. Please review the package carefully prior to the May 2, 2024 AMM in order to be prepared to vote. If you should have any questions, please contact the NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca. We look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, The NSWOCC Board of Directors

As we approach March 31st, we stand together to recognize and celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. This day serves as a reminder to celebrate the invaluable contributions of transgender individuals to our society and to raise awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide. At NSWOCC, we firmly believe that Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) are not just ideals but essential values that help shape our organization's identity. By embracing these principles, we can create an environment where every Member will feel valued, respected, and provided with equitable opportunities for growth and advancement. Equity, to NSWOCC, means fostering conditions where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. We strive for inclusivity by welcoming and active engagement of all voices. We define diversity as encompassing the richness of human differences, and inclusivity as actively engaging and welcoming all voices within every aspect of our organization—both NSWOCC and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute— particularly those who have been marginalized or disenfranchised. On this International Transgender Day of Visibility, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community and beyond. Together, let us celebrate the diversity of our membership and continue striving for a stronger membership and community that better supports and represents us all. In solidarity, NSWOCC

We are pleased to share each of the following WOC Institute Awards, which are open for applications until April 15, 2024! All the award winners will be presented at the WOC Institute Graduation Ceremony & Banquet at the NSWOCC 43rd National Conference on Saturday May 4th, 2024. We encourage you to read each award’s qualifications and criteria to see which you’d be eligible to apply for! Several awards listed on the WOC Institute website do not required an application. The awards below are those that require an application, with a deadline of April 15, 2024. We would like to sincerely thank all of the sponsors of these awards for supporting the future of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence specialty in Canada. Announcing three new “Emerging Leaders” Awards! 2SLGBTQIA+ Nurses Award The 2SLGBTQIA+ Nurses Award is a recognition and financial award aimed at honouring the achievements and aspirations of those students who identify themselves as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and are pursuing education in the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program or Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. This award seeks to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and dedication within the 2SLGBTQIA+ nursing community while supporting those who aspire to make a positive impact in wound, ostomy, and continence patient care. With a prize of $500, this award aims to provide support and encouragement to deserving individuals as they pursue their educational and professional goals in healthcare. Black Nurses Award The Black Nurses Award is a recognition and financial award aimed at honouring the achievements and aspirations of Black students enrolled in the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program or Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. This award seeks to celebrate the dedication, resilience, and potential of Black nursing students who are committed to making a positive impact in the field of wound, ostomy, and continence patient care. With a prize of $500, this award aims to provide support and encouragement to deserving individuals as they pursue their educational and professional goals in healthcare. Nurses of Colour Award The Nurses of Colour Award is a recognition and financial award aimed at honouring the achievements and aspirations of students of colour enrolled in the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program or Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. This award seeks to celebrate the dedication, resilience, and potential of students of colour who are committed to making a positive impact in the field of wound, ostomy, and continence patient care. With a prize of $500, this award aims to provide support and encouragement to deserving individuals as they pursue their educational and professional goals in healthcare. 7 Generations Medical Ltd Award This Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award of $5,250 recognizes an Indigenous WOC-EP graduate who has demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people in the Indigenous community.This Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award of $5,250 recognizes an Indigenous WOC-EP graduate who has demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people in the Indigenous community. Hollister Award for Post-Graduate Studies Supported by Hollister Limited, this award is open to an NSWOC who is an active NSWOCC member pursuing a Master’s, or PhD degree. McKin Health NSWOC Trailblazer Award This $2,500 award, sponsored by McKin Health, is presented annually to an NSWOC  Student who has demonstrated leadership and innovation in wound, ostomy, and continence care and who meets the written criteria for the award. Mölnlycke Health Care Indigenous Award The Molnlycke Healthcare Indigenous Award is designed to recognize the Academic achievement of a student who has identified as being Indigenous and who has demonstrated academic achievement in either the NSWOC Program or the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. The successful applicant will also demonstrate how they will use what they have learned from their education program to benefit their community. Ostomy Canada Society’sWound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award The Ostomy Canada Society Wound Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award shall be awarded to two (2) individuals annually in the amount of $1500.00 each to encourage Registered Nurses to pursue a career as an NSWOC with a focus on ostomy care. Vancouver United Ostomy Association Award The Vancouver United Ostomy Association Chapter NSWOC Award is a $1,000 award to recognize BC NSWOC students, or recent graduates, who have demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people in the province of BC living with an ostomy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Raising the standard for wound, ostomy and continence education in Canada: Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) NSWOC® Program Graduates are now eligible for formal credits towards a Master of Advanced Practice (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Specialization) online through Curtin University, Perth, Australia [Ottawa, ON, Thursday, March 21, 2024] – Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to announce a ground-breaking opportunity for Canadian students who have completed the NSWOCC Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute’s Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) Program. NSWOC Graduates will now be able to participate in a Credit Transfer Program, providing them with credit for learning (CRL) towards the Master of Advanced Practice (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Specialization) through Curtin University (Perth, Australia). This innovative approach to master’s studies results in students who have received CRL being able to complete their full Master’s in 12 months, part-time, completely online from anywhere in the world. Applications will soon be open for 2024. To get the latest information, please email office@nswoc.ca. Offered through Curtin School of Nursing, the program is designed to meet evolving health industry demands and offers a unique blend of advanced clinical practice and research skills, catering to the needs of the healthcare sector. The program equips participants with evidence-informed advanced clinical practice skills, explores research methodologies, and culminates in a specialized research project. As the first of its kind offered in Canada, this master's advanced specialty program a solidifies NSWOCC's commitment to raising the standard of wound, ostomy and continence education in Canada, improving nursing excellence and patient outcomes. It further establishes NSWOCC as leaders in the field of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing in Canada. It also presents a valuable opportunity for Canadian healthcare professionals who have graduated from the NSWOC Program to expand their expertise and contribute to addressing critical healthcare challenges, particularly in advanced wound, ostomy, and continence care, while obtaining a master’s degree. For more information about the programs offered by the NSWOCC® WOC Institute, visit our official website at www.wocinstitute.ca. Contact us at chair@wocinstitute.ca or at 1-877-614-1262. About NSWOCC: Dedicated to supporting the national standard of excellence in wound, ostomy, and continence care, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity comprising over 600 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) and over 1,000 total members. Through its accredited educational programs and a team of highly skilled nurse leaders, NSWOCC provides specialized knowledge and skills to healthcare professionals across Canada. Learn more at www.nswoc.ca. About the WOC Institute: The Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute is wholly owned and operated by the association of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). The WOC Institute provides accessible online communities of learning for registered nurses and allied healthcare professionals to promote specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Learn more at www.wocinstitute.ca. Media Contact: Kimberly LeBlanc (she/her) PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCANAcademic Chair, Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Cell: 613-864-1029 kimleblanc@wocinstitute.ca For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Kimberly LeBlanc at the provided email address or phone number.

NSWOC Graduation Ceremony & Applying to Graduate For all students completing the NSWOC Program: If you have already finished the NSWOC Program, or will complete all aspects of the program by March 30, 2024, and plan to write the CNA WOCC(C) certification exam this spring, you're eligible to graduate during the NSWOCC 43rd National Conference on May 4, 2024, in Calgary, AB. To learn more about the conference and register, visit www.nswoccconference.com. To graduate, fill out the application form and provide proof of CNA WOCC(C) certification exam registration or completion. Find the application form at the link provided or under the "Current Students" tab on www.wocinstitute.ca. If you can't attend the National Conference in person, don't worry. Diplomas, pins, and lab coats will be mailed after the event. Please note that diplomas are only mailed once per year, the week after the graduation ceremony. The deadline to apply to graduate is March 30, 2024. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact: Kimberly LeBlanc (she/her) PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN Academic Chair Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute | Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Cell: 613-864-1029 kimleblanc@wocinstitute.ca www.wocinstitute.ca 66 Leopolds Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7E3 Spring Exam - Initial CNA Certification: Deadline is March 31 For those aiming to write their initial certification exam this Spring, the application period is open from January 15 – March 31. The exam writing window will take place from May 1 – 15, and you can expect to receive your results in December. Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step in your professional journey! Did you know? As an NSWOCC Member, you are eligible for additional Exam Prep Benefits and continuous learning hours to make the renewal process seamless. NSWOC Prep Course for the CNA Certification Exam: Prepare confidently for the CNA Certification Exam with our comprehensive NSWOC Prep Course. The course includes a review of core competencies, relevant wound, ostomy, and continence curriculum, sample exam questions, and a dedicated study group for support. To access the course, log in to www.nswoc.ca and visit the "Members Login" area. Click on "View available downloads" in the left-hand sidebar and select "NSWOCC CNA Certification Prep Course." Join the Online Study Group: As an NSWOCC Member, you have the added benefit of joining the NSWOCC CNA Certification Exam study group. For joining this supportive community, please contact chair@wocinstitute.ca before April 20th, 2024. We are here to support you in your journey toward CNA certification and renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns. Certified nurses that are not CNA members can join CNA and save on their renewal fees! If you have a problem logging into your online account, please send an e-mail to members@cna-aiic.ca. If you have any issues with your certification, please send an e-mail to certification@cna-aiic.ca.

Whether you're completing the NSWOC Program, aiming for initial CNA certification, or due for renewal, we have all the information you need to navigate these important milestones. Please read below for important information: NSWOC Graduation Ceremony & Applying to Graduate For all students completing the NSWOC Program: If you have already finished the NSWOC Program, or will complete all aspects of the program by March 30, 2024, and plan to write the CNA WOCC(C) certification exam this spring, you're eligible to graduate during the NSWOCC 43rd National Conference on May 4, 2024, in Calgary, AB. To learn more about the conference and register, visit www.nswoccconference.com. To graduate, fill out the application form and provide proof of CNA WOCC(C) certification exam registration or completion. Find the application form at the link provided or under the "Current Students" tab on www.wocinstitute.ca. If you can't attend the National Conference in person, don't worry. Diplomas, pins, and lab coats will be mailed after the event. Please note that diplomas are only mailed once per year, the week after the graduation ceremony. The deadline to apply to graduate is March 30, 2024. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact: Kimberly LeBlanc (she/her) PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN Academic Chair Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute | Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Cell: 613-864-1029 kimleblanc@wocinstitute.ca www.wocinstitute.ca 66 Leopolds Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7E3 Spring Exam - Initial CNA Certification: Deadline is March 31 For those aiming to write their initial certification exam this Spring, the application period is open from January 15 – March 31. The exam writing window will take place from May 1 – 15, and you can expect to receive your results in December. Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step in your professional journey! Certification Renewal by Continuous Learning: If you're due for certification renewal, the application window for renewal by continuous learning is open from January 15 – December 15, 2024. Did you know? As an NSWOCC Member, you are eligible for additional Exam Prep Benefits and continuous learning hours to make the renewal process seamless. Eligible Continuous Learning Activities: By registering as an NSWOCC Member, you automatically gain access to 4 continuous learning hours per year, adding up to a total of 20 hours during the five-year period between certification writing and renewal. Participating in NSWOCC activities can also earn you CL hours: NSWOCC Members Journal Club: Qualifies as CL hours under "Independent Study." NSWOCC WOC Institute Continuing Education Webinars: Qualifies as CL hours under "Webinars." WOC Institute Preceptors are eligible for CL hours. Professional Publications: Authors of articles, textbook chapters, teaching guides, or Best Practice Recommendations Documents are eligible for CL hours. All NSWOCC Board Members and Core Program Leaders can claim 25 hours of CL activities. If you have any questions or you don’t see an activity you completed, please do not hesitate to contact CNA at certification@cna-aiic.ca. Continuous Learning (CL) Activities — General Guidelines: The CNA Certification Program offers flexibility in the type of CL activities you can count toward renewing your certification credential. Here are some key guidelines: CL activities must relate to improving knowledge and skills in your nursing practice specialty. Each CL activity must be completed within the five-year certification term. Count one CL hour for each clock hour. Count any CL activities that are 30 minutes or longer. No pre-authorization is required to count your CL activities. Count the same CL activity only once during the five-year term, unless it’s at a higher level. NSWOC Prep Course for the CNA Certification Exam: Prepare confidently for the CNA Certification Exam with our comprehensive NSWOC Prep Course. The course includes a review of core competencies, relevant wound, ostomy, and continence curriculum, sample exam questions, and a dedicated study group for support. To access the course, log in to www.nswoc.ca and visit the "Members Login" area. Click on "View available downloads" in the left-hand sidebar and select "NSWOCC CNA Certification Prep Course." Join the Online Study Group: As an NSWOCC Member, you have the added benefit of joining the NSWOCC CNA Certification Exam study group. For joining this supportive community, please contact chair@wocinstitute.ca before April 20th, 2024. We are here to support you in your journey toward CNA certification and renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns. Certified nurses that are not CNA members can join CNA and save on their renewal fees! If you have a problem logging into your online account, please send an e-mail to members@cna-aiic.ca. If you have any issues with your certification, please send an e-mail to certification@cna-aiic.ca.

We hope that your 2024 is off to a great start! At NSWOCC, we value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our service offerings and strategies to better serve you and your needs. As such, we have two important surveys that we would love your input in! Learn more about them and fill them out below: Communications Survey As part of our commitment to enhancing member experience and ensuring effective communication channels, we are excited to announce the launch of our 2024 Communications Survey. Your participation in this survey is invaluable as it provides us with essential insights into your preferences, needs, and suggestions regarding NSWOCC's communications. Your feedback will directly influence our future communication initiatives, enabling us to tailor our messages more effectively, deliver relevant content, and optimize our platforms to better meet your expectations. Educational Needs Assessment Survey The 2024 Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Educational Needs Assessment for NSWOCC Members survey aims to gather valuable insights from NSWOCC Members regarding their educational needs and preferences in wound, ostomy, and continence care. The survey covers various aspects, including assessment of knowledge levels in different areas of wound, ostomy and continence care, topics of interest for learning, challenges faced in practice, preferred methods of learning, and suggestions for improving education in these fields. Overall, the survey aims to gather comprehensive data to tailor educational programs and resources to meet the diverse needs of NSWOCC Members and enhance the quality of wound, ostomy, and continence care in Canada. Completing these surveys will only take a few minutes of your time, but the impact of your input will be significant in shaping the direction of NSWOCC. Your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of improving our communication practices and/or educational offerings. We deeply appreciate your participation and dedication to NSWOCC. Thank you for your ongoing support!

NSWOCC celebrates the start of Black History Month! This year, the government of Canada announced the theme, "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build," reflecting on the rich contributions of Black people in Canada. We honour their past and present achievements while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for a brighter future. In that spirit, this month, we share the inspiring story of Dr. Carrie M. Best. Dr. Carrie M. Best, while not a medical professional herself, was a passionate advocate for healthcare accessibility within the broader context of civil rights and social justice. With her son, she co-founded the The Clarion, a newspaper owned and published by Black Canadians, through which she advocated for Black rights. Through her journalism and activism, she emphasized the need for equal healthcare opportunities for Black Canadians. Her focus on addressing systemic racism and discrimination contributed to the ongoing dialogue on creating a more inclusive healthcare system. While specific details of her healthcare advocacy may not be as extensively documented as her work in journalism and civil rights, Dr. Best's overall efforts aimed at dismantling barriers and promoting equality naturally encompassed healthcare accessibility as a fundamental aspect of social justice. Her legacy reflects a steadfast commitment to challenging various forms of discrimination, including those within the healthcare sector. In the spirit of Dr. Best's legacy, NSWOCC commits to supporting a path towards better inclusivity and increased diversity, and we acknowledge the persistent racial inequalities in accessing healthcare services. It is paramount that we work together to help end anti-Black racism and discrimination in Canada, especially within the healthcare sector. Read more about Dr. Best at https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/carrie-best Photo from The Canadian Encyclopedia #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #NSWOCC #CanadaCelebrates

CCRAN’s Jumbo Colon is an immersive and interactive exhibit which is difficult to ignore. It is an inflatable, interactive walk-through reproduction of a human colon where visitors are guided by audio/visual screens and may see and feel the various pathologies of the colon as they stroll through the exhibit. The Jumbo Colon allows guests to view giant polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and the different stages of colon cancer. The fun and engaging experience draws in members of the public, providing an opportunity to connect and engage in a conversation about colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Imagine the incredible ‘WOW’ factor of CCRAN’s Jumbo Colon as the centerpiece at your next medical conference exhibit, consumer expo, awareness or screening event, hospital, government, or corporate wellness function! The Jumbo Colon Exhibit is large enough to make an impact but compact enough to be transported at an affordable rate. All leasing contracts include an expert CCRAN representative who takes care of the set up and take down of The Jumbo Colon and is available to promote awareness and respond to questions from the public. Please consult our website for more information: CCRAN's Jumbo Colon or contact Frank Pitman: frank.p@ccran.org

We are thrilled to announce that NSWOCC content is now available on Spotify! We are excited to bring you expert interviews, NSWOC Week webinars, and more valuable content right to your ears. We plan on offering more content in podcast-format throughout 2024. Stay tuned for more announcements soon! Stay Connected, Stay Informed We believe in the power of knowledge and its ability to transform healthcare practices. The NSWOCC podcast is our latest initiative to bring valuable content to the fingertips of our community. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student eager to learn, our podcasts aim to inspire, educate, and connect on the go. Have your Voice Heard Do you have any topics or areas that you want covered on a future NSWOCC Podcast? We would love to hear them! Simply comment on this post to let us know. How to Tune In: On the Spotify App: Visit the link below to visit our channel and click "Follow"! Online: Visit the link below to access podcasts through our website! Happy listening!